Commander William B. CASTRO enlisted in the Navy through the Aviation Cadet program in 1952 subsequent to receiving an Associate degree from the University of California. Upon completing basic flight training in Florida and advanced training at Kingsville, Texas, CDR CASTRO returned to Pensacola, Florida to carrier qualify in the TBM Avenger. He was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and designated a Naval Aviator in July, 1954.
His initial operational assignment was flying the S2F Tracker with Air Anti-submarine Squadron THIRTY-EIGHT (VS-38) aboard the aircraft carrier USS BADOEING STRAIGHT (CVE-116). While deployed to the Western Pacific, CDR CASTRO served in the Maintenance Department. He earned the China Service Medal at this time. CDR CASTRO next served in a communications billet with the Staff, Commander Fleet Air Alameda. Following was a three-year tour with Fleet Tactical Support Squadron TWENTY-ONE where he was designated a Transport Aircraft Commander in C-118 type aircraft and held collateral duties in logistics and special weapons. While in VR-21, CDR CASTRO augmented into the Regular Navy.

In 1961. CDR CASTRO reported for duty with Training Squadron TWENTY-NINE for a two-year period where he held assignments as the Assistant Administrative Officer and Standardization Officer. During this tour, CDR CASTRO completed ground and flight training with the Air Force at Mather AFB, Sacramento, California, for transition to T-29 type aircraft in addition to Navy flight duty in the C-117. Further duty at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, including a one year assignment as Officer In-Charge of the Advanced Training Command's Air Navigation School.

CDR CASTRO returned to anti-submarine warfare and Hawaiian assignments in 1964 with Patrol Squadron TWENTY-TWO at NAS Barbers Point and served as Administrative Officer, Operations Officer and Patrol Plane Commander in the P3A Orion earning the Air Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. Prior to reporting to Patrol Squadron SIX in June, 1970 as Executive Officer, CDR CASTRO served in the plans Division on the Staff, Commander Anti-Subarine Warfare Force Pacific Fleet.

In May, 1971, CDR CASTRO assumed command of Patrol Squadron SIX while at Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Additional military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

CDR CASTRO and his wife have two daughters, Claire and Valerie, and a son, Billy, and reside in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. CDR CASTRO is the son of Mrs. Silvy B. CASTRO of Concord, California.